Newsletter - Chapel Hill Friends Meeting

Chapel Hill
Friends Meeting
Newsletter
March, 2015
Monthly Query:
How do I resolve conflicts with others in ways that are loving and constructive? How does
our Meeting help members and attenders resolve conflicts in loving and constructive
ways? How do we extend this help to people and communities outside the meeting?
Contents:
Save the Date: CROP Walk April 19!...........................................................................1
Upcoming Forum Schedule!........................................................................................2
Spiritual State of the Meeting Gathering: March 21!....................................................2
PFF Spring Retreat and Annual Meeting!....................................................................3
Intergenerational Games!............................................................................................4
This I Believe, Quaker Style!.......................................................................................4
Quakerism 101!...........................................................................................................4
FDS Upcoming Dates!.................................................................................................5
Hillsborough Book Group!...........................................................................................5
News from School of the Spirit Ministry!......................................................................5
BYO Plate!...................................................................................................................6
Reminder: Hillsborough Worship Group!.....................................................................6
Calling for Book Reviews!............................................................................................7
Directory Updates!.......................................................................................................7
Minutes from Meeting for Worship with Attention to Business!...........................8
(CRE/YRE Report, Joining PFYM, teen Hailti trip request, PFF annual retreat)
Calendar!...................................................................................................................14
Save the Date: CROP Walk April 19
CROP Hunger Walks are community-wide events sponsored by Church World Service and
organized by local volunteers to raise funds to end hunger. The 2015 Chapel Hill/Carrboro
CROP Hunger Walk will be held on April 19. The walk is a four mile stroll along the streets
of Chapel Hill and Carrboro and through the UNC campus. A shorter route also is
available. Registration begins at 1:30 and the walk kicks off from Carrboro Town Commons
at 2:30. A celebration with food and music will follow the walk's successful completion.
More information: http://www.ifcweb.org/events/crop-walk
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Upcoming Forum Schedule
March 1: "Why Does the Israel-Palestine Violence Keep Returning?" Presented by Ruth
Zalph. Description: Ruth will share experiences and observations from her participation in
a peace delegation's trip last spring to Palestine and Israel. Moderator: Dirk Kelder
March 8: “Being Met at Meeting,” facilitated by Dirk Kelder. Description: Small group
exploration of such questions as: What does it mean “to be met?” How often do we feel
really met? How does this relate to Quaker faith and practice? Moderator: Wendy
Michener
March 22: “Friends General Conference Summer Gathering, Western Carolina University,
Cullowhee, NC, July 5-11, 2015,” with Amanda Godwin, member of the FGC Gathering
Planning Committee, Jan Hutton, and Wendy Michener. Description: Theme, program,
workshops, evening events, children’s programs, housing, costs, logistics, etc. Moderator:
Carolyn White
March 29: “Personal Sharing with Curt Torell,” Description: Curt will share influences and
experiences that molded his spiritual journey, how he was led to the Religious Society of
Friends, and particular work he has done within CHFM that reflect this journey. Moderator:
Matt Drake
Spiritual State of the Meeting Gathering: March 21
Our annual gathering to reflect upon the Spiritual State will take place on Saturday
morning, March 21. We plan to explore the significance of our recent decision to affiliate
with the Piedmont Friends Yearly Meeting by sharing our reflections on the following
queries:
• How will the spiritual state of our meeting by affected by our growing connections to the
wider Quaker community?
• How do we envision the meaning of our relationships with national and international
Quaker groups?
• How could the internal life or activities of our Meeting be altered and enhanced by others
within and beyond NC?
We will begin our gathering at 8:30 AM in the schoolhouse, where coffee, tea, and
refreshments will be available for all those who can attend. We plan to move into worship
and sharing at 9:00 AM and then break into smaller groups to discuss these queries and
other questions that may arise through our sharing.
Our reflections on the Spiritual State of the Meeting help to deepen friendships and also
lead to future projects within and beyond our Meeting community.
Members of the Ministry and Worship committee will facilitate the morning conversations,
and we will adjourn by noon. All members and attenders are invited and encouraged to join
this important annual event—which builds on long-developing Quaker traditions and helps
to lead our Meeting toward new spiritual insights and new forms of community service.
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PFF Spring Retreat and Annual Meeting
All PFF Friends (and guests too) are invited to attend the 2015 annual Spring Retreat,
March 13-15 at New Garden Friends Meeting in Greensboro. This will be a special event
as it will include the first annual meeting of the Piedmont Friends Yearly Meeting. The
retreat will feature:
Fellowship and Fun! As usual, the weekend will be structured around multiple
opportunities to get acquainted with other Friends from around the region and to
experience the well grounded fun that comes with sharing and learning new things. The
retreat starts Friday evening with a Quaker game show hosted by Fancy Gap meeting,
intended for all generations. The last segment of this show will be hosted by Joe and Terry
Graedon as co-clerks of the upcoming FGC Gathering at Western Carolina University this
July.
Deepening and Exploring. The experiential adult program will be led by Mary Kay Glazer
in sessions on Saturday morning and afternoon. The personal exploration will be “Who Are
You? Who Am I? - Telling Our Spiritual Stories.” As Friends we have long known that
learning to “…walk cheerfully over the world, answering that of God…” takes practice. This
program is a wonderful opportunity to go to the experiential fundamentals of our faith.
Worship Opportunities. Friends are invited to meet for worship both on Saturday
afternoon and on Sunday morning. Additionally, PFF Friends are also invited to share in
the regular New Garden semi-programmed meeting for worship on Sunday morning.
Full Programs for Children and Youth. PFF Friends are busy at work organizing
programs for children and youth of all ages. Bring the kids!
Great Food. Care has been taken to provide Friends with delicious and wholesome meals
and snacks for the weekend. Omnivores, vegetarians, and vegans will all enjoy the fare.
Learning. Presentations and discussion groups will be available during the weekend.
Raleigh Meeting is convening a session on Peace committees. Quaker House of
Fayetteville will conduct a presentation. And…we will have another round of cemetery
exploration which proved so popular last year. Our Quaker ancestors are very near…..
Registration Form. A registration form for attendance is available under “Events and
Retreat Information” on http://piedmontfriendsfellowship.org. Additionally, a complete 4page program will be available soon.
For more information, contact [email protected]
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Intergenerational Games
Every fourth Sixth-Day (for example, Friday, March 27th) at 7:00, young-at-heart Friends of
all ages gather for some fun. Tom and others bring games that can be enjoyed by all ages
at all levels; Leslie brings a picture puzzle, and Friends (and friends of Friends) from six to
ninety-six gather in small groups to enjoy. Please join us in the Schoolhouse!
This I Believe, Quaker Style
Coming on March 12 and April 9
Chapel Hill Friends Meeting is a gathering of people who have diverse beliefs, practices,
and experiences about what is spiritual, about "God," and about the "Light." However,
most of us can only guess, or really don't know much, about the spiritual beliefs and
practices of one another. We are creating an opportunity to begin conversations with each
other in a safe and non-judgmental environment in the Meetinghouse. We will begin with
worship, then a Query, which those attending can discuss in small groups and end with
worship sharing, leaving space for any vocal ministry resulting from your time in groups.
We hope you can join us for this ongoing journey, gathering the 2nd Thursday of each
month in the Meetingroom, from 7:00-8:30 pm.
Contact Jan Hutton (919-967-1959), Pat Mann (919-489-1802) or Robin Harper
(919-606-4574) if you have questions.
Quakerism 101
The Ministry and Worship Committee is offering Quakerism 101 (see dates and topics
listed below.) There will be a series of sessions focused on learning about living in the
Religious Society of Friends. We'll cover history, beliefs, worship, social witness, decision
making and other traditions of Friends. Each class will be designed to "stand alone;" you
may attend one or multiple sessions. The classes will meet every two weeks and each
session will be offered twice--once each on a Saturday afternoon from 2:00-4:00 and again
on the following Monday evening from 7:00-9:00pm. This will enable the maximum number
of people to participate, as well as provide some flexibility in personal schedules.
If you plan to participate, even in only one session, we would still like to hear from you. A
listserv of all participants will be created and will be the vehicle for disseminating readings
several weeks prior to each class. Please contact Lynn Drake (lsdrake at email.unc.edu)
if you wish to participate.
They will be held in the school building.
Session 4: Faith-based witness in our world
Saturday, March 7, 2:00-4:00pm
Repeated Monday, March 9, 7:00-9:00pm
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FDS Upcoming Dates
March 13-15: Piedmont Friends Fellowship Annual Retreat to be held at New Garden
Friends Meeting in Greensboro, NC.
March 20-22: SAYF Retreat at Celo's Arthur Morgan School, Celo, NC.
March 29 and April 5: FDS-wide Palm Sunday and Easter activities.
April 12: Multicultural/World Religions unit begins.
Hillsborough Book Group
Please join the Hillsborough Friends worship group for an exploration of the book, A
Testament of Devotion. Published in 1941, this inspirational collection of essays was
written by Thomas Kelly, and is considered one of the great books on devotion and Quaker
mysticism.
We will be gathering on the fourth Sunday of each month at 10:00, before our Meeting for
Worship, which starts at 11:00. We meet at Hillsborough Yoga, 121 W. Margaret Lane,
next to the Orange County Library. All are welcome.
March 22- "The Eternal Now and Social Concerns" and "The Simplification of Life"
News from School of the Spirit Ministry
Do you know someone who yearns for a deeper relationship with God? If so, please
share with them the following opportunities:
On Being a Spiritual Nurturer, September 2015 - May 2017. Read the Program Guide:
http://schoolofthespirit.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Full-Program-Guide-082614.pdf
February 19, 7:30 - 8:30 pm (EST), Inquirers Google Hangout: email
[email protected]
March 21, 9 am - 3:30 pm, Testing the Waters Retreat at Lancaster Friends Meeting,
PA. Registration encouraged, form here (look for the link at the right side):
http://schoolofthespirit.org/events/
Is it time to steal away and listen to the still, small voice?
A Contemplative Retreat in the Manner of Friends, April 10 - 13
At the DeKoven Center, Racine, WI. Registration open:
http://schoolofthespirit.org/programs/silent-retreats-2/dekoven-wi-2015/
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Food for the soul:
The Stranger Walking With Us by Rita Willett, core teacher
An article that appeared recently in Quaker Life. Read here:
http://schoolofthespirit.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/The-Stranger-Walking-Wit...pdf
Please consider a gift to SotS.
Thanks to our generous donors, we have made a strong start and need just $6,500 to
reach our $24,000 goal by June 30. Send a check to the address below or to make an
online donation: http://schoolofthespirit.org
Please pray for the SotS Board that meets March 13-15 at Foulkeways, PA.
Charley Basham, Jan Blodgett, Angi York Crane, Matt Drake, Eric Evans, Sharon Frame,
Judy Geiser, Mike Green, Jim Herr, Evelyn Jadin, Joann Neuroth, Tom Paxson, Beckey
Phipps, Judy Purvis, Rita Willett, Barbarajene Williams, Susan Wilson
Did you know SotS has published a new pamphlet authored by Lloyd Lee Wilson?
Purchase your copy from QuakerBooks:
https://www.quakerbooks.org/book/exercise-spiritual-authority-within-meeting
Questions? More information? . . .
Call: Mike Green at 919.929.2339
Email: [email protected]
Visit: schoolofthespirit.org
Address: 1010 Wells St., Durham, NC 27707
BYO Plate
We celebrate the often large attendance at potluck and we thank the meeting for continued
help with potluck cleanup. However, large attendance does create a lot of dishes to wash.
Therefore, we request that Friends bring their own plates, cutlery, and glasses to potluck
and take them home to wash. We know of other groups that use this practice successfully
and we propose it as another way to be environmentally friendly. We recognize not
everyone will remember to do so. Those who do will be allowed to be first in line for
potluck. Thank you.
Reminder: Hillsborough Worship Group
The Hillsborough Worship Group meets on Sundays at 11am at the Hillsborough Yoga
Downtown studio at 121 West Margaret Lane. There is parking next door at the library.
This group is under the care of the Durham Meeting and has a minute of support from our
meeting.
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Calling for Book Reviews
Have you read an inspiring book from the Meeting library lately? Or have you read a book
we don't have in the library that you feel would be worthwhile to have in the collection? The
Library committee would like to invite members and attenders to consider writing brief
book reviews for the newsletter. Share the insight or inspiration you received from your
readings. Please send a copy of your review to the library committee as well at
[email protected]. We are always looking for suggestions for new books to add
to our library. Thank you. The Library Committee
Directory Updates
Due to privacy concerns, directory updates will not be included in the newsletter. Directory
updates are posted on the bulletin board in the Meetinghouse foyer. If you are unable to
get to the Meetinghouse, email [email protected] or call Emily Buehler for a
copy of current updates.
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Chapel Hill Monthly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends
Meeting for Worship with Attention to Business
February 15, 2015
Minutes
Tom Munk, clerk; Robin Harper, recording clerk
Worship and query: Have I considered joining the Meeting? What if anything holds me back? If I am a member, how do I encourage others to consider this step?
1. Welcome, recognition of Hirst time attenders, review of agenda—Clerk We welcomed *irst-­‐time attenders Milena Wuerth, Grace Schneider, Finn James, Emma Hulbert, Will Stanley, and Molly McConnell.
2. Approval of January minutes—Clerk Approved.
3. Children’s and Youth Religious Education Report—Kathleen McNeil (ATTACHED)
Many Friends shared their gratitude for the work of CRE and First Day School, especially Kathleen and Leslie Rountree. The parents of many children have been brought into the Meeting via their children. Friends who don’t have children have been encouraged to participate in their activities. The presence of the children and youth during the *irst 15 minutes of meeting for worship has been meaningful to many. In general, our active FDS is a blessing to our whole Meeting. Regarding chaperones who stay awake during lock-­‐ins and retreats, this is the case when everyone is in one room, but not when there is room for more family-­‐like arrangements. In either situation they always try to have chaperones of both genders present
Part of the report focused the development of comprehensive sexual safety education, procedures, and policies. Our insurance company recently sent a letter strongly urging all of their policyholders (mostly churches) to consider writing and implementing such a policy, which is why Finance Committee has been involved in the preparation of this report.
Report accepted with thanks.
4. For Approval—Recommendation from Ministry and Worship Committee that the Chapel Hill Friends Meeting join Piedmont Friends Yearly Meeting—Naveed Moeed (FULL MINUTE NOT AVAILABLE AT PRESS TIME)
Before presenting the recommendation, Naveed expressed gratitude for the love he has felt from everyone during this process, and for his sense of being held by all of us. Friends have supported him and kept him at the “crest of the wave” to stay on top of the great deal of work needed in the effort.
Naveed reminded us that this process began last spring, when our clerk was approached by the PFYM formation committee, and requested the creation of an ad hoc committee to explore the issue. The work was culminated in a retreat held on January 10 of this year, for the whole Meeting to weigh and season this initiative. Now M&W recommends that the Chapel Hill Friends Meeting join with Piedmont Friends Yearly Meeting.
Many Friends had questions, ranging from practical, organizational questions to questions of hierarchy to questions regarding inclusion and issues of faith. Naveed endeavored to answer them with help from the clerk and other members of the ad hoc committee.
Regarding the practical, for now PFF and PFYM will meet concurrently, until such time as one is seen as redundant. Right now they are one and the same. At the annual gathering, their business meetings will be held separately. Financial implications have also not yet been decided. For now we will continue to support PFF as we have done, as one of our Benevolences.
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In addressing concerns about hierarchy, Naveed explained that the formation committee decided to stick very closely to their vision statement and core elements. There will only be a Presiding Clerk, an Assisting Clerk, and a Recording Clerk, probably for the next two years. They will make sure minutes and yearly reports are done. Quarterly meetings will be held, which will include monthly meeting representatives. There will be a Communications and Website Committee, to gather information from monthly meetings to collate and distribute. All of this is probably what will be put forth at the business meeting on March 14.
The authority of the yearly meeting is secondary to the needs of the monthly meetings. The nascent quality of this undertaking provides the energy that is needed for its formation; we are not entering it with hierarchical barriers. If we join, we will have more opportunity to in*luence its structure and development.
As to questions of inclusiveness and faith, Friends on the ad hoc committee reminded us that inclusiveness in particular was a core value the formation committee was especially interested in. They regard tradition as important, but also diversity and continuing revelation. There were questions about whether or not the word “spirit” should be capitalized. In response, Naveed read from the yearly meeting’s core value of inclusiveness: “Recognizing that inclusiveness enriches our spiritual lives, the Yearly Meeting welcomes and af*irms individuals, monthly meetings, and worship groups from a wide variety of social and theological backgrounds and experiences. Rather than prescribing any creed, the Yearly Meeting encourages individuals to become part of the corporate experience of Quaker faith and practice. The authenticity of the experience is based on inclusiveness, which in the 21st century, welcomes individuals and families from a wide range of religious traditions and practices and is affirming of diverse genders, ethnicities, racial identification, sexual orientations, ages, and beliefs. The Yearly Meeting is composed of monthly meetings with various modes of Quaker worship, understanding that there are multiple legitimate ways to seek and experience the spirit.”
In a body where inclusiveness is paramount, Friends felt that we can trust that decisions will be made in this spirit.
Several suggested that we see PFYM as an emergent organization, that changes will take place, that we will all learn as we go, and that there will be bumps in the road. Naveed reminded us that detailed questions about membership can be sent to M&W or asked of him directly.
No Friends expressed concerns that would hold back our decision of whether or not to join PFYM.
The clerk asked if we were in unity to join Piedmont Friends Yearly Meeting, and we approved with solemnity and joy.
Strong thanks and appreciation were expressed for the ad hoc committee’s work and extraordinary example of Quaker process.
5. Teen Haiti trip: Request for Meeting support—Will Stanley, Kathleen McNeil, and teens
The group proposed traveling to Haiti the week of June 28-­‐July 3, 2015. Seven teens and three chaperones will be going. The speci*ic location is Lamadelle, which is about 20 miles east of Port au Prince. They will be working with Fondation Enfant Jesus, an organization that includes a primary school, adoption program, trade school, and other training programs that focus on women. This seems to be a perfect *it, in keeping with the teens’ desire to have the Quaker testimony of Community as the focus for this trip. They are learning a bit of Creole to help prepare.
The projected total cost of the trip for ten people is $8700. The teens have already held two fundraisers—the pumpkin pie sale and the spaghetti supper—and have so far raised $2300, which includes $800 received from YRE. This leaves $6400 yet to raise. Friends proposed suggestions for solutions, including fully funding the chaperones, making a request of the Shotts and Leadership funds, and making a special appeal to the Meeting.
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Kathleen responded that the group had met with Matt Drake, clerk of Finance, to discuss possible sources of funding. Instead of overburdening the Shotts or Leadership funds, he suggested a direct gift from the Meeting of $4000, or $400 per person. He viewed this gift as being one of three sources of money to be tapped: the Meeting, the teens’ raising money themselves, and their families. Jan Hutton, clerk of the Shotts and Leadership Funds Committee, did con*irm that there is only about $3000 in the combined funds at this time, and that they are expecting and hoping to be able to help Friends attend FGC this summer.
One Friend, whose children were helped by the Meeting via the Shotts and Leadership funds for their service trips abroad, felt that it was inappropriate for the Meeting to support this group to a greater degree, just because it’s a bigger group. She felt that some money should come from the teens themselves and their families.
The Meeting expressed support for the trip to Haiti as a project of the Meeting.
Speci*ics about the *inancing of the trip were not resolved due to a lack of time. The Clerk asked that the question be brought back to the March Meeting for Worship with Attention to Business.
6. Peace and Justice Annual Report—Naveed Moeed (POSTPONED)
7. Announcement of PFF Annual Retreat—Jeff Brown; and Upcoming Forums—Clerk RETREAT:
The theme of Piedmont Friends Fellowship’s Spring Retreat and Annual Meeting is “Who Are You; Who Am I?” and will focus on telling our stories. It will be held March 13-­‐15 at New Garden Meeting in Greensboro, NC. All PFF Friends (and guests too) are invited to attend. This will be a special event as it will include the *irst annual sessions of the Piedmont Friends Yearly Meeting. Additional information including registration information is available on the web at piedmontfriendsfellowship.org.
FORUMS:
February 22: “Vocal Ministry," facilitated by M&W members Lynn Drake, Jan Hutton, and Leslie Rountree
March 1: "Why Does the Israel-­‐Palestine Violence Keep Returning?" presented by Ruth Zalph
March 8: “Being Met at Meeting,” facilitated by Dirk Kelder March 22: “Friends General Conference Summer Gathering, Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, NC, July 5-­‐11, 2015” presented by Amanda Godwin, member of the FGC Gathering Planning Committee
March 29: “Personal Sharing by Curt Torell”
8. Announcements from listserv—Clerk •Workshop: “Israeli Military Detention: No Way To Treat A Child,” Feb. 21, 9:00am, Durham Friends Meeting
•Quakerism 101, Session 3: Feb. 21, 2:00pm, or Feb. 23, 7:00pm, Schoolhouse
•Film: "I'm Not Racist...Am I?" Feb. 24, 7:00pm, Carolina Friends School
•Parents/Fathers' Day at Orange Correctional Center: Feb. 28
•Monthly Worship Tip: "We strive to tend to that of God in each person, even when we don't understand it." -­‐-­‐ Author Unknown
Check the bi-­‐weekly listserv for details.
We closed with worship.
Attending: Perry Martin, Dirk Spruyt, Kitty Bergel, Ann Miller, Hank Elkins, Nancy Elkins, Richard Miller, James Harper, Deborah Gibbs, Tom Smith, Jan Hutton, Jeff Brown, Emilie Condon, Faye Stanley, Dottie Heninger, Jennifer Leeman, Carolyn Stuart, Ben Ray, Molly McConnell, Andrea Wuerth, Leslie Rountree, Alice Carlton, David Curtin, Micheal P. Jokinen, Ken Grogan, Kristen 10
Dunivant, Naveed Moeed, Matt Drake, Lynn Drake, Julia Cleaver, Will Stanley, Emma Hulbert, Finn James, Grace Schneider, Milena Wuerth, Bettie Flash, Tom McQuiston, Michael McRae
CHILDREN’S AND YOUTH RELIGIOUS EDUCATION REPORT
Covering January 2014-­‐January 2015
The Children’s and Youth Religious Education (CYRE) Committee provides guidance for the First Day School (FDS) program for children from pre-­‐kindergarten through the *ifth grade, the middle and high school teens, as well as the care for infants and toddlers in the nursery. With our teachers and FDS coordinator, Leslie Rountree, the committee develops the curriculum, selects materials and monitors the overall health and progress of our First Day School. Our aims are threefold: to build a vibrant spiritual community within the First Day School for families with children and teens, to strengthen links between our youth of all ages through coordinated curriculum and activities, and to nurture the First Day School’s integration into the meeting at large. Throughout this report we will discuss the many efforts we have made to move towards such integration. We continue to encourage families with children to attend the *irst 15 minutes of meeting for worship. Friends seem to enjoy the muf*led stomping that takes place as we exit in great numbers, a small noise indicating a youthful spirit among us. Committee Membership
Kathleen McNeil remains the clerk of the committee. Leslie Rountree also continues in her duties as the FDS coordinator. Sadly, we had to say good-­‐bye to Jochen Wachter and Bill McDonnell this year as they stepped down. We are very grateful for their many years of valuable service to our committee. Carolyn Stuart, Sean Chen, Lauren Hart, John Hite, and Kathleen McNeil continue on the committee, with Leslie serving in an ex of*icio capacity. New Sexual Safety Policies, Procedures, and Best Practices
CYRE and the FDS have been working together along with Tom Ludlow of the *inance committee to develop comprehensive sexual safety education, procedures, and policies. We have formally committed ourselves to making sure that during First Day School two adults are present at all times with our younger children; in rare circumstances, one adult is allowed as long as the adult is with three or more fully verbal children. No “one on one” activities are to occur. Attached to this report is our current Policy and Procedures document concerning sexual safety. This document will continue to evolve over time. In addition to putting our new two-­‐adult policy in place, we offered a children’s sexual safety training seminar called Stewards of Children, a program of the Darkness to Light Foundation that develops tangible skills to identify and protect our children from abuse. The training, which was held on August 23rd, was open to all teachers, CYRE committee members, parents and meeting members in general. A special thanks to Leslie Rountree for arranging the training, to Lauren Hart for researching policies and procedures in place at similar institutions, and to Tom Ludlow for bringing this issue to our attention and agreeing to come and talk with our committee on two occasions. First Day School Curriculum
Since our last of*icial report, we have *inished both a spring and a fall semester. For the past year, there have been 5 classes within the First Day School: the pre-­‐K pod for children ages 3 through 5, the K-­‐2nd grade pod, the 3rd-­‐5th grade pod, and the middle and high school pods. We have been blessed with wonderful, dedicated teachers in each pod who provide continuity, consistency, and creative energy for our young people. Current teachers include (in rotation within pre-­‐K and K-­‐2): Allie Scales, Carolyn Stuart, Eloise Grathwohl, Lauren Hart, Jasmine McKewen and Stacy Sewall; and (for 3rd-­‐5th 11
grade): Mark Hulbert, Andrea Wuerth, Carolyn White, and Kathleen McNeil. The middle schoolers are led by Leslie Rountree, Cecelia Carver-­‐King, and Herbert Struemper. The high schoolers are led by John “the Quaker” Hite, Jennifer Leeman, and Sean Chen. In addition, we are appreciative of the help of these Friends who have worked with the pre-­‐K and K-­‐2 pod teachers as assistants: Catherine Alguire, Maria Darlington, Loretta Hopper and Wendy Michener and Anna Taylor.
The younger three groups continue to follow a tried but true curriculum format throughout the academic school year: the *irst twelve weeks cover Quaker testimonies and history; late November through the New Year brings community building and outreach activities revolving around the holidays; beginning in early January, twelve more weeks cover the Old or New Testament (2014 focused on the Old Testament which ended in great fanfare with Old Testament Field Day!); lastly, in the remaining twelve weeks the children learn about world religions. Each pod tailors these themes with lessons and activities appropriate to the ages of their students. Many teachers continue to incorporate the Godly Play or Faith and Play stories in the Quaker or Biblical units; we have had guest speakers from other faiths (Islam, Judaism, and Buddhism) come to talk to the students about their beliefs during the multicultural unit. The teens discuss issues, participate in service projects, and work together to raise money both for the meeting (via football home game parking fees) and for causes they believe in (through the Alternative Gift Mart). Throughout this year they have been working to plan a service trip to Haiti this coming summer (2015.) They had a successful pumpkin pie fundraiser at Thanksgiving and a spaghetti dinner fund raiser in February, raising more than $1,500 to date. Field Trips
Five years ago, we decided to initiate visits, or “*ield trips” to other religious communities as part of our study of world religions. In spring of 2014, we visited the North Carolina Zen Center in Pittsboro. We attended a Sunday morning meditation service that included both sitting and walking meditations. In the fall, students, teachers, and other CHFM members visited the New Garden Friends Meeting in Greensboro. For many youth and adults, this was their *irst experience with a programmed meeting. After the service, we enjoyed an impromptu tour of the cemetery led by Max Carter.
Teacher Inspiration and Education
Last February, Leslie Rountree led a teacher retreat for FDS teachers. She created a clever reverse scavenger hunt that really gave the teachers a chance to bond and open up their creativity. Teachers shared lesson and activity ideas and were treated to a “thank you for volunteering” lunch from Mediterranean Deli. We are planning to have another teacher retreat this spring which is being planned by Leslie and Carolyn Stuart. We are grateful for Leslie’s hard work and dedication. Indeed, we are grateful for the dedication of all our teachers as well as the joy and the passion working with young people brings into our lives.
Piedmont Friends Fellowship
In 2014 CYRE “had the year off” in our duties to plan and lead the children’s programming for the 2014 PFF retreat. This year, we will be back planning and leading the school-­‐aged children’s programming for 2015. We are working with our PFF representatives Jeff Brown and Margot Stern to plan these activities. Holiday Activities
During the holiday season in 2014, FDS children delighted in making handmade ornaments for a Christmas tree in the multipurpose room. Many thanks go to Bill McDonnell and his family for donating and delivering the tree yearly. We also made and wrote cards to shut-­‐ins and prison inmates, and rehearsed and presented a Nativity play for the meeting’s annual holiday party. Leslie headed up a group of carolers at Carol Woods the First Day before Christmas. The teens once again 12
sponsored the Alternative Gift Mart, bringing in close to $8,000 to contribute to Quaker House, Interfaith Council, Heifer International, and other worthy projects. In the spring we held our annual Easter egg hunt, which pairs older and younger children in both dyeing eggs and hiding them for one another.
Summer Activities
During the summer, Friends who are not FDS teachers are invited to lead classes for children of all ages. The purpose is twofold: it gives our regular FDS teachers a much-­‐needed break, and it provides to meeting members an opportunity to share their passions and interests and to have fun with our wonderful children. Last summer, volunteer teachers offered game playing, crafts, cooking, and storytelling. Thanks to the meeting at large for volunteers to lead these classes. We are extremely grateful to all Friends who participated. Nursery Care
Long-­‐time Friend Stacey Sewell has continued in the nursery this year. She provides loving childcare to the youngest meeting attendees. At the moment, Joyce Munk is serving as her assistant in order to follow our “two adults present” best practices. Additional Fellowship Activities
In both spring and fall semesters, our teens continued the tradition of going to the Ringwalt cabin at Hyco Lake. Eight youth along with three chaperones spent a fall weekend enjoying nature, quiet and fellowship together. In the spring, two chaperones and *ive youth travelled to the beach cottage of Chris and Catherine Elkins for a wonderful weekend of boats, exploring, and a bon*ire. We have a few dedicated teens who regularly attend SAYF retreats, which are teen-­‐led and nurtured by the Southern Appalachian Yearly Meeting. Margot Stern, our SAYF coordinator, has done a wonderful job coordinating attendance and transportation with the Durham Friends Meeting. Thank you Margot!
In September, we organized a family picnic after the rise of late meeting for worship to kickoff the FDS year. CYRE remains dedicated to integrating the youth and families into the larger meeting community. One successful initiative started this year has been having the teens close meeting the *irst week in each month with *ive *irst days. Fourth Friday game nights have been going on most of the year and have been enjoyed by Friends of all ages. Thanks go to Tom Munk for organizing these events and for sharing his vast collection of board games. The Year Ahead
We will continue to make a special effort to integrate our young people into the life of the meeting as well as to integrate our adult members into the lives of our youth. The teens will be working hard to plan, organize, and execute their service trip to Haiti. They will be chaperoned by Will Stanley, Lauren Hart, and Kathleen McNeil. The participating teens will be leading two forums (one before and one after) their trip. We would be very grateful to see more adult members without children in FDS attend our outings and activities as well as take advantage of our volunteer opportunities. In summary, the Children’s and Youth Religious Education Committee strives to foster spiritual nourishment, friendship and fellowship among our meeting’s youth and older members, and to deepen the connection and sense of belonging between these young attendees, their families, and the meeting at large. We look forward to the joy the children bring to the meeting and to the lessons they teach us.
Respectfully submitted by the CYRE committee:
Sean Chen, Lauren Hart, John Hite, Kathleen McNeil (clerk), Leslie Rountree (ex of*icio), and Carolyn Stuart.
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Calendar
(All events at Meetinghouse unless otherwise indicated.)
Sun. 3/1
Tue. 3/3
Thur. 3/5
Fri. 3/6
Sat. 3/7
8:30am
Meeting for Worship (Early)
9:45am
Forum: Israel-Palestine Violence - Ruth Zalph
11am
Meeting for Worship (Late)
11am
Meeting for Worship - Carol Woods
12:30pm
Potluck & IFC donations
7-8pm
Yoke Fellows Prison Visitation - Call Hank Elkins
9am-1pm CHFM Serves Lunch at Interfaith Shelter
4:30-5:30pm Vigil for Peace & Justice - E. Franklin & Elliot Rd
2-4pm
Quakerism 101 Session 4 (see page 4)
DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME BEGINS
Sun. 3/8
8:30am
9:45am
11am
11am
Mon. 3/9
7-9pm
Tue. 3/10 7-8pm
Thurs. 3/12 7-8:30pm
Fri. 3/13
5-6pm
Fri. 3/13 - Sun. 3/15
Meeting for Worship (Early)
Forum: Being Met at Meeting
Meeting for Worship (Late)
Meeting for Worship - Carol Woods
Quakerism 101 Session 4 (repeat - see page 4)
Yoke Fellows Prison Visitation - Call Hank Elkins
This I Believe, Quaker Style (see page 4)
Vigil for Peace & Justice - E. Franklin & Elliot Rd
PFF Annual Retreat (see page 3)
Sun. 3/15
8am
8:30am
9:00am
11am
11am
7-8pm
5-6pm
8:30am-12
Meetinghouse open for worship
Meeting for Worship (Early)
Meeting for Worship w/Attention to Business
Meeting for Worship (Late)
Meeting for Worship - Carol Woods
Yoke Fellows Prison Visitation - Call Hank Elkins
Vigil for Peace & Justice - E. Franklin & Elliot Rd
Spiritual State of the Meeting Gathering (see page 2)
8:30am
9:45am
11am
11am
noon
7-8pm
5-6pm
7pm
Meeting for Worship (Early)
Forum: FGC Summer Gathering
Meeting for Worship (Late)
Meeting for Worship - Carol Woods
Families and Friends Affected by Mental Illness - Schoolhouse
Yoke Fellows Prison Visitation - Call Hank Elkins
Vigil for Peace & Justice - E. Franklin & Elliot Rd
Intergenerational Games - Schoolhouse (see page 4)
8:30am
9:45am
Meeting for Worship (Early)
Forum: Personal Sharing - Curt Torrell
Tue. 3/17
Fri. 3/20
Sat. 3/21
Sun. 3/22
Tue. 3/24
Fri. 3/27
Fri. 3/27
Sun. 3/29
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Thur. 4/2
Fri. 4/3
Sun. 4/5
11am
11am
10pm
9am-1pm
5-6pm
Meeting for Worship (Late)
Meeting for Worship - Carol Woods
Deadline To Turn In Items For Newsletter!
CHFM Serves Lunch at Interfaith Shelter
Vigil for Peace & Justice - E. Franklin & Elliot Rd
8:30am
9:45am
11am
11am
12:30pm
Meeting for Worship (Early)
Forum: tba
Meeting for Worship (Late)
Meeting for Worship - Carol Woods
Potluck & IFC donations – Schoolhouse
Chapel Hill Friends Meeting
Chapel Hill Monthly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends
531 Raleigh Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27514
(919) 929-5377
Meetings for Worship at 8:30 and 11:00am
Forum at 9:45am; Child Care from 9:30am-12:15pm
First Day School from 11:15am-12:00pm
Clerk of the Meeting: Tom Munk (919) 537-9203
Resident: John Hite (919) 929-5377
• Newsletter. This newsletter is published every first Sunday under the care of the
Publications and Records Committee. Paper copies are available at the
Meetinghouse and a PDF is posted on the Meeting website,
www.chapelhillfriends.org. The deadline for submissions is 10pm on the last Sunday
of the month. Email submissions to [email protected] or call Emily
Buehler, (919) 475-5756. Please include “newsletter” in the subject line.
• Listserv. To send a news or "In the Light" announcement on the Meeting listserv,
contact [email protected]. Please include “listserv” or “in the light” in the
subject line. This listserv goes to about 280 people. Do not submit personal
information about someone else unless you know he/she wants to share. Subscribe
to the listserv at www.chapelhillfriends.org/contact.html.
• Website. To get items posted on our website, send them to
[email protected].
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